# NHS doctors missed chances to save baby girl who died of meningitis

> Inquest jury finds NHS doctors missed opportunities to save 'happy, healthy' five-month-old girl who died of meningitis in 2023.
- Title: NHS doctors missed chances to save baby girl who died of…
- Summary: Inquest jury finds NHS doctors missed opportunities to save 'happy, healthy' five-month-old girl who died of meningitis in 2023. NHS doctors missed chances…
- Keywords: nhs, meningitis, esta high, leeds general infirmary, wakefield coroner's court, coroner's inquest, hospital care, parental concerns, medical negligence, child mortality, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16224087/doctors-missed-baby-meningitis.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-20T18:03:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nhs, meningitis, esta high, leeds general infirmary, wakefield coroner's court, coroner's inquest, hospital care, parental concerns, medical negligence, child mortality, news, entertainment
## Inquest jury finds
NHS doctors missed chances to save life of 'happy, healthy' five-month-old girl who died of meningitis.
## Esta High died at Leeds General Infirmary
Esta High died at Leeds General Infirmary in November 2023 after being taken with high temperature and vomiting.
## Parents' concerns ignored
Parents, Lynsey Carr and Leon High, said their concerns over illness were ignored by hospital staff.
## Staff tested too late
Doctors tested for bacterial infection too late, causing fatal delay in antibiotic treatment.
## Jury found cause of death
Jury found Esta died of natural causes contributed to by neglect after 55 hours without treatment.
## Parents' statement
Parents said 'we were extremely worried' but staff were 'rude and don't listen to our concerns'.
## 15 hours in hospital
Esta spent 15 hours in hospital with missed opportunities for treatment.
## Family's emotional impact
Family described Esta as 'bright, beautiful and perfect' with a smile that lit up every room.
## Decision to withdraw life support
Doctors withdrew life support after 55 hours, causing Esta's death.
## NHS apology
NHS trust apologized for failing to save Esta and promised to improve patient safety.
## Parents' call for change
Parents said parents know their children better than anyone and need to be listened to.
## Medical officer's statement
Dr Elizabeth Garthwaite said they failed Esta and her family and would improve patient safety.
## What happened next
NHS trust committed to responding to inquest findings and improving child care safety.
## Key takeaway

NHS doctors missed chances to save five-month-old girl from meningitis after 55 hours without treatment, jury finds.